Duterte visits Marawi as military sees end to crisis

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday paid another visit to the conflict-torn Marawi City, as state troops expressed confidence that the crisis in the predominantly Muslim city is now nearing its end.

Duterte’s visit today to the strife-torn city was his sixth since clashes erupted there last May 23.

Palace officials said Duterte visited the city to lead the inauguration of Bahay Pag-asa for the symbolic transfer of shelters to the displaced residents of the city.

The President’s visit also comes as state troops said the city’s liberation from Islamic State-inspired terrorists is now on the horizon.

Both Duterte and Defense Secretary Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had hoped that the crisis in the city would end before October.

However, the military pleaded for more time as they deal with the small number of remaining terrorists holed up in a small portion of the city.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said troops needed more time as rescuing up to 46 hostages remains a challenge.

Galvez said state forces are now engaging the Maute fighters in close quarter combat as government gains in the past days had reduced the main battle area to the size of 2 football fields.

He explained that troops are having a difficult time with the uneven terrain and the buildings where the remaining Maute terrorists could be hiding.